The Nutcracker
About the Ballet
Set on Christmas Eve, The Nutcracker begins at the Stahlbaum home, where Clara and her brother Fritz celebrate with family and friends. The mysterious toymaker Drosselmeyer arrives, delighting the children with magical gifts, including a Nutcracker doll for Clara. After it is accidentally broken and repaired, the evening ends and the household falls asleep. Later that night, Clara returns to the tree and finds herself swept into a fantastical world where the Nutcracker comes to life and battles the Mouse King.
After helping him win the fight, Clara is transformed and guided on a magical journey through a snowy forest to the Land of Sweets. There, she is honored by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her court with a series of dazzling dances. As the celebration concludes, Clara is left with a sense of wonder, holding onto the memory of her enchanting adventure.
History of The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker was originally based on the story of The Nutcracker and the Mouse, written by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann. Years later, Alexander Dumas rewrote the story, making it happier and more fun for kids to read. In 1891 Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky was commissioned to write the music for a new ballet based on the stories by the St. Petersburg Opera, but he was initially unhappy with the setting of a children’s Christmas party.
Choreographers: Norbe Risco, Rafaela Risco
Costumes: Rafaela Risco
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Run Time: about 2 hours with intermission
